News & Media

Paddy Smullen grew up watching his father land lucrative prize pots at the Curragh and will take the first leap into following in his illustrious footsteps in a charity race bearing the family name this weekend.

The Pat Smullen Race Day launched in 2019 and has proved an invaluable source of fundraising for Cancer Trials Ireland in the years since the nine-time champion jockey’s death from pancreatic cancer in September 2020.

Saturday’s latest instalment concludes with the Pat Smullen Charity Race for Cancer Trials Ireland, which will feature 20 runners and riders and see Paddy, 17, make his racing debut – the year after his older sister, Hannah, took part in the race.

“I’ve been riding out at Gordon Elliott’s, he’s been really kind to put up a horse for me,” Paddy said.

"After Hannah rode in it last year, it was mentioned about me doing it this year. I had that in mind and the closer we got to it, the more I wanted to do it.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghracecourse)

“It really means a lot. To go around the Curragh, the course he (Pat) probably had his most success at, especially around the Derby track, which he won twice, it will be really special.

“I used to go and watch with my cousins and the rest of the family. We lived by the Curragh when I was really young, it was the closest course to us so it was really handy when I was younger.”

Over the past five years, through events such as the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland race day, more than €3 million has been raised to fund vital pancreatic cancer research.

Paddy has currently raised more than €6,000 on his own fundraising page and will be keeping his father’s advice close at hand as he sets out on his own journey in the saddle.

“I remember him telling me to keep my elbows tucked in and my back straight going around the gallops at home,” he said. “I remember all those days fondly.

“I’ve been riding ponies and eventing as far back as I can remember,” he said.

“I started riding racehorses at home, just the odd one we had, and I started taking it seriously when I went to Conor Hoban’s for pre-training and breaking.

“I was there on Saturdays and holidays as much as I could for two years and then stepped up to riding out at Dermot Weld’s and Gordon Elliott’s.

“I’ve always had an interest in horses but I wouldn’t be able to be a flat jockey as I’m too tall and wouldn’t make the weight. But I’ll be doing as many bumpers and amateur races as I can.”

Smullen has also been given valuable guidance by his mother, Frances Crowley, a champion amateur jockey and Classic winning trainer.

Crowley is keeping Black Tiger in training through the winter with the aim of giving

Hannah, who rode her first career winner at Tramore in May, more opportunities in the saddle and has relished watching her children taking their fledgling steps into the racing world.

“I’m really proud of all the kids and it will be a really proud moment to see him (Paddy) having his first ride,” he said.

“Hannah is doing well, she is riding as much as she can. Every ladies bumper that comes out, she’s on the phone looking for rides.

Start your weekend with a must-watch interview 👇@hannah_smullen reflects on the first win of her career in the saddle at @TramoreRaces - almost eight years to the day after Pat's win in the Derby 💚

📹 @irishkor | @RacingTV

pic.twitter.com/vC6cg3IHo0

— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) June 1, 2024

“She’s really keen, she works hard at keeping fit. She’s heading back to college to do her final year in law but hoping to keep riding.”

The 100km Curragh to Curragh cycle ride in memory of Olive Lynch, which this year will feature AP McCoy, is another key fundraising pillar on a day which has become a landmark fixture in the Irish racing calendar.

“The racing community has been absolutely brilliant,” Crowley said.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the trainers and owners who have put horses into the charity race.

“This year we don’t have the auction and the lunch, but there is a BBQ ticket for €50, based in the Oaks restaurant. The riders will be coming up after the race and everyone can join in, buy a raffle ticket, make a donation, come along and enjoy the racing.

“We are trying to make it more accessible and relaxed. We are trying to get a few euros off everybody as opposed to a lot off one or two people.

“Everyone has been really generous and we’re looking forward to another great day.”

Donate to Paddy Smullen's fundraising page by clicking here.
Buy tickets for the Pat Smullen Race Day here.